Communications

Detainees are able to maintain contact with the outside world using a full range of communications media.

24. Detainees are able to maintain contact with the outside world through easy access to visits and a full range of communications media.

The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met. They do not exclude other ways of achieving it.

  • There is sufficient access to telephones at all times.
  • Detainees can make international phone calls at rates comparable to those available in the community.
  • Detainees without money are provided with a reasonable number of free calls of sufficient length.
  • Detainees are able to use personal email accounts and have internet access, and can open attachments.
  • All legitimate websites are accessible. There are effective procedures for quickly and permanently unblocking sites that have been inappropriately restricted.
  • Detainees have free access to video calling and social networking to support contact with family and friends. Access is restricted only on the basis of documented individual risk assessment.
  • Detainees can quickly and easily send and receive faxes, without charge and without restrictions on length, to ensure that legal documents are transmitted in their entirety.
  • Information about local or national visiting groups is available to detainees.
  • Unless there are legitimate security considerations, detainees are able to have visitors. Visitors are able to deliver property.

Human rights standards

Communications
In relation to expectation 24 above: Human rights standards require detainees to be able to keep in contact with the outside world through various means, including digital means and visits. See SMR 58, 63, 106; EPR 24; BOP 19; UNHCR–DG 8[48(vii)]; CPT 2, 5. See additionally in relation to women, BR 26, 28.